Nest Excavation for Sea Turtles (NEST)

A special outreach program where participants will have the opportunity to learn about sea turtles and their nesting habits in South Florida.

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The NEST (Nest Excavation for Sea Turtles) program is a unique outreach program that will only be available during the summer. During this special outreach, participants will learn about sea turtle nesting in South Florida, the threats they face, and what we can do to protect and conserve them. The program consists of a hands-on activity, nature walk on Virginia Key Beach and a look inside a sea turtle nest after it hatches.

What is a nest excavation?

Nest excavations take place three days after a sea turtle nest hatches and can only be completed by a person authorized by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission. The Frost Science Education Team will talk guests through the process and purpose of a nest excavation while the MORAES sea turtle conservation team (permit #153) excavates the nest.

What will I see?

During an excavation, participants may see hatched sea turtle eggs, whole sea turtle eggs and maybe even live hatchlings.

When will NEST programs take place?

  • The NEST programs will take place three days after a nest hatches. This is because authorized personnel must excavate a nest to collect data for the Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission 72 hours after it hatches.
  • If scheduled, NEST programs may be from Thursdays – Sundays from July 25 through August 17, 2024 AND Saturdays and Sundays from August 17 through September 1, 2024.
  • After the donation is made, you will receive confirmation of the program along with logistical information.
  • If there are not enough registrations to join a NEST program, it will be rescheduled to the next available date.

Where will NEST programs take place?

NEST programs will take place on Virginia Key at Virginia Key Beach. Directions and a map will be sent to registrants via email one day in advance.

How do I sign up?

  • Interested participants should click on the button above and fill out the form to be added to the waitlist to hear about upcoming NEST programs. Please note that registering for the waitlist does NOT guarantee attendance to a NEST program.
  • Once added to the email list, you notified three days before a NEST excavation date with a registration and payment link. We cannot let you know more in advance due to the very specific nature of this program.
  • After the donation is made, you will receive confirmation of the program along with logistical information.
  • If there are not enough registrations to join a NEST program, it will be rescheduled to the next available date.
  • Follow us on Instagram to get live updates on when NEST programs are scheduled.